Motorists adapting to Hildebrand

Updated 9:56 pm, Monday, January 14, 2013

The Broadway at Hildebrand intersection has been torn up for drainage and trafflic flow improvements for almost 1.5 years. This is what it looks like with the work soon to be completed. Billy Calzada / Express-News

Media: San Antonio Express-News

In case you hadn't heard, there's a little construction project happening at Hildebrand Avenue and Broadway. For all the hype — in news stories, in city email alerts and on highway message signs, for starters — perhaps you'd expect reports of drivers abandoning their vehicles on the side of the road out of anger and frustration.

But as rush hour rolled around Monday evening, the first day that Hildebrand between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue was converted to one way eastbound, a city official said traffic had flowed smoothly.

But it's still a major adjustment, particularly on a stretch of road where more than 30,000 drivers travel every day, many of them turning into the University of the Incarnate Word campus.

Monday was also the first day of spring semester classes.

Allie Zapata, a UIW junior, heard students grumble about the construction. At least one of her professors said she has asked faculty to be lenient this first week of classes if students are late because of detours.

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway Monday January 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being added. Construction in the area should be completed by summer 2014. The project makes Hildebrand Avenue a one-way street between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue. less

Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway Monday January 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Work has begun on a $15.5 million street improvement project.

Work has begun on a $15.5 million street improvement project.

Photo: Mike Fisher

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Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway Monday January 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being added. Construction in the area should be completed by summer 2014. The project makes Hildebrand a one-way street between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue. less

Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway Monday January 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Bexar County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable J.L. Guerrero directs traffic at Broadway and Hildebrand. A reader disputes a public official who says traffic is flowing smoothly on Hildebrand.

Bexar County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable J.L. Guerrero directs traffic at Broadway and Hildebrand. A reader disputes a public official who says traffic is flowing smoothly on Hildebrand.

Photo: John Davenport, San Antonio Express-News

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Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway Monday January 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being added. Construction in the area should be completed by summer 2014. The project makes Hildebrand a one-way street between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue. less

Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway Monday January 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Bexar County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable J.L. Guerrero directs traffic Monday morning January 14, 2013 at the intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand. An 18-month drainage project in the area makes Hildebrand Avenue a one-way street between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue. Guerrero said the so far things were running smoothly and most drivers were aware of the changes in traffic patterns. less

Bexar County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable J.L. Guerrero directs traffic Monday morning January 14, 2013 at the intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand. An 18-month drainage project in the area makes Hildebrand ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Construction materials rest on Broadway by a crew working to complete the drainage and traffic flow improvements on Broadway near Hildebrand on July 3, 2014. The work has been ongoing for almost a year and a half. less

Construction materials rest on Broadway by a crew working to complete the drainage and traffic flow improvements on Broadway near Hildebrand on July 3, 2014. The work has been ongoing for almost a year and a ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

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Carlos Torres works on July 3, 2014 on a concrete wall that's part of the project to improve storm drainage and traffic flow on Broadway near the University of the Incarnate Word.

Carlos Torres works on July 3, 2014 on a concrete wall that's part of the project to improve storm drainage and traffic flow on Broadway near the University of the Incarnate Word.

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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A bus drives by signs announcing entrances to businesses in the construction zone along Broadway near Hildebrand on July 3, 2014. The work on drainage and traffic flow improvements has been ongoing for more than one year. . less

A bus drives by signs announcing entrances to businesses in the construction zone along Broadway near Hildebrand on July 3, 2014. The work on drainage and traffic flow improvements has been ongoing for more ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

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Traffic stops while construction continues on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Major lane changes and digging have created heavy traffic between noon to 2 p.m., and there is usually a police officer posted during this time. less

Traffic stops while construction continues on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Major lane changes and digging have created heavy traffic between noon to 2 p.m., and there is usually a police ... more

Photo: Julysa Sosa

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Gonzalo Santillan walks everyday through the construction rubble on Broadway and Hildebrand, which has had major changes and made it complicated for driving Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Gonzalo Santillan walks everyday through the construction rubble on Broadway and Hildebrand, which has had major changes and made it complicated for driving Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Photo: Julysa Sosa

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Traffic has intensified with ongoing construction on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014, as major lane changes and digging happen on the road. The traffic is most heavy between noon to 2 p.m., and there is usually a police officer posted during this time. less

Traffic has intensified with ongoing construction on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014, as major lane changes and digging happen on the road. The traffic is most heavy between noon to 2 p.m., and ... more

Photo: Julysa Sosa

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Pedestrians walk by construction rubble on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. This project has had major changes and made it complicated for driving.

Pedestrians walk by construction rubble on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. This project has had major changes and made it complicated for driving.

Photo: Julysa Sosa

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Pedestrians walk through construction rubble while bulldozers work on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. This project has had major changes and made it complicated for driving.

Pedestrians walk through construction rubble while bulldozers work on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. This project has had major changes and made it complicated for driving.

Photo: Julysa Sosa

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Traffic has intensified with ongoing construction on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014, as major lane changes and digging happen on the road. The traffic is most heavy between noon to 2 p.m., and there is usually a police officer posted during this time. less

Traffic has intensified with ongoing construction on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014, as major lane changes and digging happen on the road. The traffic is most heavy between noon to 2 p.m., and ... more

Photo: Julysa Sosa

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Traffic has intensified with ongoing construction on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014, as major lane changes and digging happen on the road. The traffic is most heavy between noon to 2 p.m., and there is usually a police officer posted during this time. less

Traffic has intensified with ongoing construction on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014, as major lane changes and digging happen on the road. The traffic is most heavy between noon to 2 p.m., and ... more

Photo: Julysa Sosa

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Traffic stops while construction continues on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Major lane changes and digging have created heavy traffic between noon to 2 p.m., and there is usually a police officer posted during this time. less

Traffic stops while construction continues on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Major lane changes and digging have created heavy traffic between noon to 2 p.m., and there is usually a police ... more

Photo: Julysa Sosa

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Traffic stops while construction continues on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Major lane changes and digging have created heavy traffic between noon to 2 p.m., and there is usually a police officer posted during this time. less

Traffic stops while construction continues on Broadway and Hildebrand Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Major lane changes and digging have created heavy traffic between noon to 2 p.m., and there is usually a police ... more

Photo: Julysa Sosa

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A view of construction on Hildebrand Avenue near the intersection with Broadway Street Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.

A view of construction on Hildebrand Avenue near the intersection with Broadway Street Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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A view of construction at the intersection of Broadway Street and Hildebrand Avenue Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.

A view of construction at the intersection of Broadway Street and Hildebrand Avenue Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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A view of the two culverts part of the construction project on Hildebrand Avenue near the intersection with Broadway Street Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.

A view of the two culverts part of the construction project on Hildebrand Avenue near the intersection with Broadway Street Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Working all day in a blazing hot sun on the Hildebrand and Broadway road construction project, .Omar Perez (left) and Chris Burciaga cool off keep hydrated by drinking gallons of water as San Antonio deals with triple digit heat on Aug. 1, 2013. less

Working all day in a blazing hot sun on the Hildebrand and Broadway road construction project, .Omar Perez (left) and Chris Burciaga cool off keep hydrated by drinking gallons of water as San Antonio deals with ... more

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

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Working all day in a blazing hot sun on the Hildebrand and Broadway road construction project, .Omar Perez (left) and Chris Burciaga cool off keep hydrated by drinking gallons of water as San Antonio deals with triple digit heat on Aug. 1, 2013. less

Working all day in a blazing hot sun on the Hildebrand and Broadway road construction project, .Omar Perez (left) and Chris Burciaga cool off keep hydrated by drinking gallons of water as San Antonio deals with ... more

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

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A man and child cross Mulberry at Broadway as a truck makes a turn in front of them on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. The presence of Brackenridge Park, Kitty Park and the Lions Field playground in the area, coupled with the rerouting of traffic that would normally travel on Hildebrand to Mulberry, have all caused congestion. less

A man and child cross Mulberry at Broadway as a truck makes a turn in front of them on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. The presence of Brackenridge Park, Kitty Park and the Lions Field playground in the area, ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

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People wait to cross the intersection at Broadway and Mulberry on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. The presence of Brackenridge Park, Kitty Park and the Lions Field playground in the area, coupled with the rerouting of traffic that would normally travel on Hildebrand to Mulberry, have caused congestion. less

People wait to cross the intersection at Broadway and Mulberry on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. The presence of Brackenridge Park, Kitty Park and the Lions Field playground in the area, coupled with the rerouting ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

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People cross the intersection at Broadway and Mulberry on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. The presence of Brackenridge Park, Kitty Park and the Lions Field playground in the area, coupled with the rerouting of traffic that would normally travel on Hildebrand to Mulberry, have caused congestion. less

People cross the intersection at Broadway and Mulberry on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. The presence of Brackenridge Park, Kitty Park and the Lions Field playground in the area, coupled with the rerouting of ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

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Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being added. Construction in the area should be completed by summer 2014. The project makes Hildebrand Avenue a one-way street between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue. less

Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being added. Construction in the area should be completed by summer 2014. The project makes Hildebrand a one-way street between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue. less

Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being added. Construction in the area should be completed by summer 2014. The project makes Hildebrand a one-way street between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue. less

Traffic moves east on Hildebrand through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Bexar County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable J.L. Guerrero directs traffic, Monday morning, Jan. 14, 2013 at the intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand. An 18-month drainage project in the area makes Hildebrand Avenue a one-way street between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue. Guerrero said the so far things were running smoothly and most drivers were aware of the changes in traffic patterns. less

Bexar County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable J.L. Guerrero directs traffic, Monday morning, Jan. 14, 2013 at the intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand. An 18-month drainage project in the area makes Hildebrand ... more

Photo: John Davenport, San Antonio Express-News

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Bexar County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable J.L. Guerrero directs traffic, Monday morning, Jan. 14, 2013 at the intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand. An 18-month drainage project in the area makes Hildebrand Avenue a one-way street between the San Antonio River and North New Braunfels Avenue. Guerrero said the so far things were running smoothly and most drivers were aware of the changes in traffic patterns. less

Bexar County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable J.L. Guerrero directs traffic, Monday morning, Jan. 14, 2013 at the intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand. An 18-month drainage project in the area makes Hildebrand ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Traffic near of the University of the Incarnate Word is shown while construction continues on Hildebrand (upper left) at the intersection of Broadway (lower left to upper right) and Hildebrand on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. less

Traffic near of the University of the Incarnate Word is shown while construction continues on Hildebrand (upper left) at the intersection of Broadway (lower left to upper right) and Hildebrand on Sunday, Jan. ... more

Photo: Michael Miller, For The Express-News

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Construction crews work on Hildebrand near its intersection with Broadway on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Construction crews work on Hildebrand near its intersection with Broadway on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Photo: Michael Miller, For The Express-News

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Construction crews work on Hildebrand near its intersection with Broadway on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Construction crews work on Hildebrand near its intersection with Broadway on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Photo: Michael Miller, For The Express-News

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Traffic is shown while construction continues in the background at the intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Traffic is shown while construction continues in the background at the intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Photo: Michael Miller, For The Express-News

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Larry Clark pauses while talking about traffic cutting through the River Road neighborhood to avoid the construction on Hildebrand on Allison Road on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Larry Clark pauses while talking about traffic cutting through the River Road neighborhood to avoid the construction on Hildebrand on Allison Road on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Photo: Michael Miller, For The Express-News

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Xiao Guang Zhang, owner of Sky Nails, adjusts items in the front desk at Sky Nails on Broadway on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Zhang was forced to reduce operating hours due to the construction on Hildebrand.

Xiao Guang Zhang, owner of Sky Nails, adjusts items in the front desk at Sky Nails on Broadway on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Zhang was forced to reduce operating hours due to the construction on Hildebrand.

Photo: Michael Miller, For The Express-News

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Traffic moves through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being added. Construction in the area should be completed by summer 2014. less

Traffic moves through the intersection of Hildebrand and Broadway Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. A flood control project in the area is starting and more lanes and and traffic lights are also being added. Construction ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

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Traffic moves east on Hildebrand near Broadway on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

Traffic moves east on Hildebrand near Broadway on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

Photo: Helen L. Montoya, Express-News

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A sign on the corner of Hildebrand and Broadway alerts drivers to lane closures on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

A sign on the corner of Hildebrand and Broadway alerts drivers to lane closures on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

Photo: Helen L. Montoya, San Antonio Express-News

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Broadway Street looking north from above the intersection with Hildebrand Avenue on Dec. 13, 2012.

Broadway Street looking north from above the intersection with Hildebrand Avenue on Dec. 13, 2012.

Photo: Express-News

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Hildebrand Avenue looking west from Broadway Street on Dec. 13, 2012.

Hildebrand Avenue looking west from Broadway Street on Dec. 13, 2012.

Photo: Express-News

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Broadway Street looking south from above the intersection with Hildebrand Avenue on Dec. 13, 2012.

Broadway Street looking south from above the intersection with Hildebrand Avenue on Dec. 13, 2012.

Photo: Express-News

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With the University of the Incarnate Word in the background, Broadway Street (lower left to upper right) and Hildebrand Avenue intersect on Dec. 13, 2012.

With the University of the Incarnate Word in the background, Broadway Street (lower left to upper right) and Hildebrand Avenue intersect on Dec. 13, 2012.

Photo: Express-News

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With the University of the Incarnate Word in the background, Broadway Street (lower left to upper right) and Hildebrand Avenue intersect on Dec. 13, 2012.

With the University of the Incarnate Word in the background, Broadway Street (lower left to upper right) and Hildebrand Avenue intersect on Dec. 13, 2012.

Photo: Robin Jerstad, Express-News

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Water rushes down Broadway and Hildebrand Saturday evening, July 10, 1999. A storm blew through town dropping several inches of rain and closing Interstate 35 at San Pedro due to flooding.

Water rushes down Broadway and Hildebrand Saturday evening, July 10, 1999. A storm blew through town dropping several inches of rain and closing Interstate 35 at San Pedro due to flooding.

Photo: KRISTA NILES, San Antonio Express-News

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The University of the Incarnate Word Campus is seen in this undated 1979 aerial photo. The intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand is seen at the bottom of the frame with Hildebrand going up and to the left and Broadway going out to the right. Earl Abel's restaurant can be seen near the intersection at the bottom of the frame. Olmos Dam can just barely be seen at the top of the frame above the broad swatch of grass. less

The University of the Incarnate Word Campus is seen in this undated 1979 aerial photo. The intersection of Broadway and Hildebrand is seen at the bottom of the frame with Hildebrand going up and to the left and ... more

Photo: COURTESY PHOTO FROM UIW, Express-News

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Motorists adapting to Hildebrand

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She wondered if the city could have delayed the one-way reconfiguration until at least sometime after the semester began.

“They're (the university) trying to make the best of it,” said Zapata, who walks to campus, “but maybe they could have waited a week.”

Lou Fox, assistant to UIW's president, arrived at the school at 6 a.m. Monday but spotted no major congestion issues or serious backups.

The project will require an array of street and lane closures until work is completed in summer 2014. Some of those intermittent closures have started on Broadway.

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“Everybody's been pretty good about it,” said a constable directing traffic at the intersection Monday morning, though at least one motorist tried to enter Hildebrand against traffic before realizing his mistake.

Drivers on the one-way section of Hildebrand also experienced some initial confusion Monday because the middle of the pavement is torn up for construction during the next two weeks, Frisbie said.

That means drivers must use either the far right lane or the far left lane, but the unusual configuration caught some drivers off guard and they were using only one lane. They can use either, he said.

The city will also adjust the signal timing on some of the traffic lights, Frisbie said.

UIW Senior Willie Sanchez was relieved that the line of cars he anticipated backing up on Hildebrand never materialized Monday. He avoided any other traffic problems by taking an entrance into campus just off the U.S. 281 northbound access road. He planned to leave by an exit on Hildebrand that's north of the closure.